US2827219A

US2827219A - Container insert

Info

Publication number: US2827219A
Application number: US613986A
Authority: US
Inventors: George C Sparks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-10-04
Filing date: 1956-10-04
Publication date: 1958-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 1975-03-18

Description

March 18, 1958 G; c. SPARKS CONTAINER INSERT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed 001;. 4, 1956 INVENTOR.

6.50/96? C. SPARKS Marci-118, 1958 ca; c. SPARKS CONTAINER INSERT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 4, 1956 I INVENTOR. Q-v/PGE c. 3/?4R/(S' United States Paten G n CONTAHQER INSERT George C. Sparks, Philadelphia, Pa. Application October 4, 1956, Se'rial No. 613,986 Claims. Cl. 229-14 'Ihis 'invention'relates generally to containers, and is particularly directed to article supporting container in- 'serts. The instant invention is an improvement over the article supporting container insert disclosed in my prior U. S. Patent No. 2,744,622.

While the insert of said patent has proved highly advantage'ous over all, it has been fouud'necessary to fabricate the prior insert of relatively strong, heavy cardboard stock, especially when the insert is used with certain articles, 'such as candy Easter eggs. Although the less expensive grade of heavy cardboard stock may satisfactorily fulfill the structural requirements of the insert, such stock may be undesirable by reason of its appearance, and also for its tendency to produce objectionable odors. In order to overcome these disadvantages, it has heretofore been necessary to employ relatively heavy stock made of pure virgin Wood fibres, which stock is relatively expensive and contributes excessively to the total container cost.

Also in the insert of the above mentioned patent, it was necessary during manufacture to apply adhesive -by meansof stencil gluing or timed gluing, in-order to periodically apply glue to only certain parts and omitthe application of glue to other parts. That is, it was necessary to apply glue periodically or intermittently, which is a slow and expensive procedure, rather'tha'n by the relatively fast and low cost method'of straight line gluing.

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior 'art, and produce an improved article supporting container insert adapted'to be manufactured from relatively lightweight cardboard stock, without sacrificing 'struct'ural'streng'th, to thereby effect a substantial savings in the cost of'materials.

It is a further object of the present invention to pro lide 'an article supporting container insert wherein the application of glue is adapted to be performed entirely by the straight line gluing procedure, so that relatively high production speeds are accomplished at substantial savings in labor and overhead costs.

Itis another object of the present invention to provide arelatively simple'and inexpensive, one-piece blank adapted to 'be quickly and easily formed into the containerins'ert of the present invention.

It is still a further object of'the present invention to provide a container insert having the advantageous characteristicsmentioned in the foregoing paragraphs which is extremely simple in construction, neat and attractive "inappe'ar'ance, and highly effectual to structurally reinforc'e its associated container.

Other-objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referrin'g to the accompanying drawings, which form a rnaterial partof this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction Til 2,827,219 Patented Mar. 18, 1958 hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings: v

Figure l is an exploded, perspective view showing in inverted condition a container, and an article supporting insert constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top perspective view showing an insert of the invention received in -a container, with the container partially broken away for clarity of understanding;

Figure 3 is -a plan view illustrating a blank adapted to be formed into the insert of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure-4 is an end view of a slightly modified form of insert of the present invention;

Figure 5 is "a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5'- 5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a partial plan view showing a blank adapted to beform'ed-into'the insert of Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is an end view showing another slightly modified form of insert of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line'88 of Figure 7; and

Figure 9 is a partial plan view showing a blank adapted to be formed into the insert of Figures 7 and 8.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to Figure 1 thereof, 10 designates generally an insert-0f the present invention carrying an article 11, which is shown for purposes of illustration and having an egg-shaped configuration. The insert 11) in Figure 1 is inverted and adapted'for snug reception in a container, generally designated 12, which is also inverted and may be of the'bottom opening type shown in my prior Patent No. 2,744,622. The container 12 includes a closure -13, which in closed condition defines the container bottom. The container alsoincludes facing spaced container ends 14, laterally spaced container sides 15, and 'a container top 16. Thus, the container 12 is of 'hexathedral configuration and may have trapezoidal sides and ends, as illustrated, or other desired face configurations. In particular, the container bottom and top are illustrated as being of generally rectangular configuration, while the sides and ends are of generally trapezoidal configuration tapering from the bottom towardthe top.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the insert it) includes a generally rectangular bottom wall or base 20 having generally parallel opposite side edges 21. Projecting laterally outward from one of the side edges 21 may be provided a locking tab'22 such as that disclosed in said prior patent.

Hingedly connected to opposite ends or end edges of the base 20, as by parallel fold lines 23 terminating at the side edges 21 are apair of upstanding end walls 24. That is, the end walls 24, which are illustrated as being of generally trapezoidal configuration, are substantially identical, and extend generally vertically upward in parallel spaced, facing relation with each other from opposite ends of the baseZlL'being hinged to thelatter. An opening 25 may be formed in the lower central region of each end wall 24 for snugly receiving an end portion of the article 1- when the latter rests on the baSeZtl. The end walls 2'4 are advantageously configured to have their sides or sidee'dges, which are defined by fold lines 29, disposed contiguous to the container sides -15 for snug engagement-therein, andfurther to have their upper edges 25 contiguous to the container top 16 for engagement with the latter, all when the insert 10 is received in the container.

Hinged to opposite sides or side edges of each end wall'24, as by the folds 29, and extending outward there= from longitudinally of the base 2% and container 12 so as to be in laterally spaced facing relation with respect to each other, are a pair of wings 30. The wings30 eachhave their lower and

upper edges

31 and 32 parallel for respective engagement with the bottom and top of the'container when theinsertis disposed within the closed container. The outer edge 33 of each wing 30 is shaped for conforming engagement with the adjacent container end 14 when the insert'is locatedinteriorly of the container.

includes a medial portion or section 37 which is hinged to the upper edge of the adjacent end wall, as by the fold line 35 which terminates at its opposite ends short of the end wall side edges 29; and, the reinforcement depends from surface of the adjacent end wall. Extending from opposite side edges of each medial reinforcement portion 37 are a pair of outer portions or lateral extensions 38, which are connected to the medial portion by hinge-defining fold lines 39 each extending from a respective generally trapezoidal configuration, 'if' desired.

7 its hinged connection in facing engagement'with theouter g opposite end of the fold line 35 and substantially normal to the latter. As may be observed in Figures 1 and 2, the outer reinforcement portions 38 extend obliquely away from the medial reinforcement portion 37 and di- 7 verge from each other longitudinally of the insert, termi- 'nating at the. outer ends orend edges 40 contiguous to I reinforcement 36 extends along the upper regions of its 7 adjacent end wall and wing. 'Moreover, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2; the outer reinforcement portions 38 terminate at their lower edges 43 short of the lower edge 440i the medial reinforcement portion 37, to define a depending securement tab 42 on the medial portion which may be adhesively secured to the adjacent end wall 24 to retain the medial reinforcement portion in its facing engagement with the end wall.

When the insert 10 is received in its container 12, the

condition illustrated in Figure 2, the generally rectangu Y larbase'20 is seated in facing engagement on the container bottom 13 with side edges '21 of the base contiguous to and in conforming engagement with the container sides 15. The insert end walls 24 are shaped so thattheir side edges, as defined by the fold lines 29, ex-

tend upward contiguous to and in conforming engagement with the container sides 15, while the upper end wall edges 26 extend laterally across in contiguous, conforming engagement with the container top wall-16. Further, each wing 30 has its'lower', upper and

outer edges

31, 32, and 33 shaped for conforming engagement, respectively, with the container bottom, top and adjacent end. The upper edges 41 of the reinforcement portions 38, being coplanar with the

upper edges

26 and 32 of the adjacent end wall and wings, are contiguous to and engageable with the container top, while the outer reinforcement extension edges are shaped for engagement 7 with the adjacent container end 14. By thisconstruction,

both the container ends and top wall are reinforced against external pressure bythe outer reinforcement portions 38, while the insert end walls'24 have their upper 7 regions reinforced and strengthened by the medial reinforcement portions 37. 5

' In Figure 3 is illustrated a blank from'which the insert 10 may be formed. The blank of Figure '3 is prefadapted, to form the base of the insert. The main panel 20 is bounded by opposed side edges 21 and opposed end edges 23, the latter being defined. by fold lines or creases extending between and terminating at the side edges. Hingedly connected to opposite end edges of the main panel 20, as by the fold lines 23, are a pair of auxiliary panels 24 adapted to form' the insert end walls Y when folded into facing spaced relation with respect to each other. Each of the auxiliary panels 24 1s formed with an article-receiving opening 25 contiguous to the main panel 20 and spaced inwards from the auxiliary panel side edges. It will be noted that the auxiliary panels 24 are each laterally co-extensive with the adjacent end edge of the main panel 20, at the hinged'connections to the latter, and may converge outwards in More specifically, each of the auxiliary, end-wall-forming panels 24'is bounded at its inner end by a fold line 23, along its side edges by outwardly converging foldlin'es 29, and along its end edge bya medial fold line 35 extending parallel to the inner fold line 23 and free edges 26 continuing from opposite ends of the told 35 in alignment therewith and terminating at. the folds 29.

Hinged onopposite sides of each auxiliary panel 24, as by the fold lines 29,; are a pair of substantiallyidentical wings 30. 'Each of the wings 30 is longitudinally co-extensive with its associated auxiliary panel 24, having its

opposite edges

31 and 32 extending laterally outward from opposite ends of the hinged connection or fold line and in alignment, respectively, with the fold 23 andedge 26. The laterally outer edge33 of each wing 30 extends between the longitudinally inner and

outer edges

31 and 32. 7 a

A reinforcement flap 36 is hingedly connected, as by each fold line 35 to the distal edge of each auxiliary panel 24. Each flap 35 includes a generally rectangular medial portion 37 bounded by its adjacent fold line 35, a pair of generally parallelfold lines 39 extending'longitudinally outward from opposite ends of the associated fold line 35, and an end extension or glue tab 34Vterminating at the end edge 44 and extending laterally between the fold lines 39. Hingedly connectedto each medial flap portion 37 on opposite sides thereof, as by the fold lines 39, are a pair of outer flap portions 38,;each of which has its longitudinally inner edge 41 extending laterally outward in alignment with the'hinged fold-line connection 35, and terminatesin a laterally outer edge 40. That is, the outer flap portions 38 terminate at their laterally outer edges 40 outward beyond the side edges of the auxiliary panel 24, defined by the fold lines 29, and laterally inward of the wing edges 33. 'The longitudinally outer edge 43 of each flap portion 38 is spaced longitudinally inward of the medial portion edge .44, to

define the glue tab 34 on the medial flap portion.

In erecting the insert 10 from the'blank of Figure3, it 1s only necessary to swing the flaps 36 inward about their hinged connections 35 into facingengagement with the adjacent auxiliary panel24 and adhesively securethe tabs 7 34 to the respective auxiliary panels. The auxiliary panels are then swung inward toward each other about their outward away from the main panel or'base 20. Swinging of the wings '30 will serve tofswing the outer flap extensions 38 to. their oblique disposition'about their respective hinged connections 39.' Itwill now be understood that the,

main panel 20 defines the insert base, while the auxiliary panels 24 serve as the insertend walls, and the flaps 36 define, the reinforcements described inconnection with I Figures 1 and 2..

In practice, it is highly advantageous toconfigure the, reinforcement flaps 36 as illustrated in Figure 3, wherein the glue tabs 34 project longitudinally outward, beyond the lateral extensions '38. By this construction, glue or other suitable adhesive may be applied as at 42 to the tabs 34 by the relatively rapid straight-line gluing process, i

without the application of glue to any other, undesired parts of the blank. Further, the reinforcement flaps may be quickly, easily and completely automatically swung about their hinged connections 35 and secured in facing engagement with the end wall panels 24. In this completely flat condition, the blanks may be stored or shipped in a minimum of space; and, erection to the insert condition of Figures 1 and 2 may be quickly and easily efiected during the packaging procedure.

In Figure 6 is shown a partial plan view of a slightly modified form of blank adapted to be formed into the insert, generally designated 10a of Figures 4 and 5. As the blank and resulting insert are symmetrical, the figures are fully illustrative. The blank of Figure 6 is substantially identical to that of Figure 3, with the exception of the reinforcement flap 36a.

That is, the blank of Figure 6 includes a main panel adapted to form the insert base, a pair of auxiliary panels 24 hinged to opposite ends of the main panel 2% by the fold lines 23, and a pair of laterally outwardly projecting Wings 36, each hinged to a respective side edge of the adjacent auxiliary panel 24 by a fold line 29, all the same as in Figure 3.

The auxiliary panel 24, which of course is identical to another auxiliary panel (not shown) on the other end of the main panel, is bounded on its longitudinally outer or distal edge by a fold line a extending parallel to the fold lines 23, and terminating at its opposite ends at the side edge fold lines 29. The flap 36a, which is of course identical to another flap (not shown) on the distal end of the other auxiliary panel 24, includes a medial portion 37a hinged to the auxiliary panel 24 by the fold line 35a and laterally co-extensive with the auxiliary panel at its distal edge. The medial flap portion 37a is bounded on opposite side edges by a pair of generally longitudinally extending folds 39a each extending from a respective end of the fold 35a generally outward longitudinally of the blank 10a. Hingedly connected on opposite sides of the medial flap portion 37a, as by the fold lines 39a, are a pair of laterally outer flap portions 38a. The flap portions 38a terminate at their laterally outer edges 48.1, respectively, generally coterminous with the laterally outer edges 33 of the adjacent wings 30, While their longitudinally inner edges 41a are in substantial alignment with the fold line 35a, and their longitudinally outer edges 4301 are in substantial alignment with the longitudinally outer edge 44a of the medial flap portion.

Along the aligned longitudinally outer or end edges of the medial and laterally and outer flap portions are applied a laterally extending line of adhesive 42 a. Obviously, this line of adhesive may also be applied by the straight-line gluing method; and, it is only necessary to swing the flaps 36a inward about their respective hinged connections 35a to adhesively secure the flaps in facing engagement with the adjacent end wall and wings 30.

As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the configuration and dimensions of the flaps 38a are such that the flaps are each disposed in the space intermediate :1 facing pair of wings 3t and extend along the upper regions of the adjacent end wall and wings, having their upper edges, as defined by the outer flap portion edges 41a substantially coplanar with the upper wing edges 32. Moreover, the laterally outer edges a of the outer flap portions 35a are shaped to extend continguously along the laterally outer edges 33 of the respective wing 30. Hence, the flaps 36a serve to reinforce the end walls and wings against bending, and further serve to reinforce the container ends and top against external loads applied thereto.

A slightly modified form of blank is illustrated in Figure 9, which is adapted to be made into the insert 16b of Figures 7 and 8. The blank of Figure 9 is substantially identical to that of Figure 6, with the exception of the reinforcement flaps 36h. More particularly, the flap 36b of the blink of Figure 9, only one being shown in the drawing, include a medial portion 37b which is substantially identical to the medial flap portion 37a of Figure 6, and a pair of laterally outer flap portions 38b hinged to opposite sides of the medial flap portion 371; by a pair of fold lines 3% extending generally longitudinally outward from opposite ends of the hinged flap connection 35a. The outer, end edge portion or glue tab 34b of the medial flap section 37b is coated with a laterally extending line of adhesive 42!; as is the outer edge margin of the medial flap portion 37a of Figure 6, but the longitudinally outer or end edge regions of the laterally outer portions 38.) are cut away longitudinally inward, so as to terminate longitudinally inward of the adhesive material. That is, the end edges 43b of the laterally outer tab flap portions 38b are recessed inward relative to the end edge 44b of the medial flap portion, so that the adhesive-coated iiap portion defines a tab 34b projecting longitudinally outward relative to the blank. The outwardly projecting tab portion 34b of the medial flap section 37b may be coated with adhesive, as at 42b, by the straight-line gluing method, as mentioned hereinbefore in connection with the projecting tab of the blank of Figure'3. In Figure 9, the laterally outer edges 40b of the outer flap portions 3811 are in substantial longitudinal alignment with the outer edges 33 of the wings 30, so that the edges 4% will lie along and in contiguous relation with the edges 33 when the flaps 36b are swung about their hinged connections 35a. Also, the longitudinally inner edges 41b of the laterally outer flap portions 33b extend from opposite ends of and are in substantial longitudinal alignment with the hinged connection 38b.

Hence, as seen in Figures 7 and 8, when the flaps 36b are swung about their hinged connections 35a into facing engagement with the adjacent auxiliary or end wall panel 24, and the blank folded along the

lines

23 and 29 as described hereinbefore, each flap will be disposed in the space between a facing pair of wings extending along the upper regions of the adjacent end wall and wings, With the upper edges of the flaps substantially coplanar with the upper edges of the end wall and Wings, and the outer flap edges extending along and contiguous to the outer wing edges. Hence, the blank of Figure 9, and the resulting insert of Figures 7 and 8, is adapted to function as reinforcement in substantially the same manner as the first described forms of the invention.

From the foregoing it is understood that the present invention provides an article supporting container insert and blank therefor which fully accomplish their intended objects and are well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An article cradling insert adapted for snug reception in a container, said insert comprising a base shaped to rest on the bottom of said container with its side edges contiguous to the container sides and its end edges each adjacent to but spaced inwards from a respective container end, end walls extending upward from opposite end edges of said base and configured to have their side and top edges contiguous to the sides and top of said container, said end walls having openings for receiving opposite ends of an article on said base, a pair of laterally spaced facing Wings extending from opposite side edges of each end wall outward toward the adjacent container end, said wings each being shaped to have its lower, upper and outer edges contiguous to the bottom, top and adjacent end of said container, and a reinforcement disposed in the space between each pair of said wings extending along the upper edges of the adjacent end wall and wings and fixed to the adjacent end wall for reinforcing engagement with the top of said container, each of said reinforcements inforce the same. a

' comprising an extension depending from the upper edge i and in facing engagement associated end wall. V i

2. An article cradling insert according to claim 1, each with the outer surface of the of said reinforcements further comprising a tab depending from the lower edge of said extension and adhesively secured to the adjacent end wall.

'3. An article cradling insert adapted for snug reception in a hexahedral container, said insert comprising a generally rectangular base shaped to rest on the bottom of said container with its side edges contiguous to the container sides and its end edges each adjacent to but spaced inwards from a respective container end, end walls extending upward from opposite end edges of said base and configured to have their side and top edges contiguous to the sides and .top of said container, said end walls having openings for receiving opposite ends of an article on said base, a pair of laterally spaced facing wings extending from opposite side edges of each end walloutwardtoward the adjacent container end, said wings each being shaped to have its lower, upper and outer edges contiguous. to the bottom, top and adjacent end of said container, and a reinforcement disposed in the space between teachpairiof said wings extending along the upper regions -.of the adjacent end wall and wings, each of said reinforcements comprising a medial portion depending fromthe. upper edge and secured in facing engagement with the outer surface of the associated end wall, and outer portions extending from opposite sides of said medial portion having their upper edges substantially coplanar with, the upper,

edges of the associated end wall and:wings;and terminating at outer edges continguous to thetouter edges of the associated Wings, whereby said reinforcementsZare engageable with the top and end walls of said container, torre- 4. An article cradling insert adapted for'snug reception t, in aucontainer, said insert comprising a base shaped to reston the bottom ofsaid container ;with its sid e edges contiguous to the container sides and its end edgfisj each adjacent to but spaced inwardsfrom a respective container end, end walls extending upward from opposite end edges of said base and configured to have their side and top Tedges contiguous to the sides and top of said containensaid end Walls having openings for receiving opposite endsof an articleron said base, a pair o f; laterally,spaced facing wings extendingfrom opposite side edges ofveach end wall outward toward the adjacent container; end said wings each being shaped to have its lower, upper and outer edges contiguous to the bottom, top and adjacent end of said container, and a reinforcement disposed in the space between each pair of said wings extending along the upper edges of the adjacent end wall and wings and fixed to the adjacent end wall for reinforcing engagement with thetop of saidrcontainer, wherein each of said re inforcements extends along the upper edge of and in facing engagement with the adjacent end wall and wings and terminates at its opposite ends contiguous to the outer edges or" the adjacent wings, for reinforcing engagement with the adjacent end of said container.

5., An article cradling insert adapted for snug reception in a container, said insert comprising a base shaped to rest onthe bottom of said container with its side edges conti uous to the container sides and its end edges each adjacent to but spaced inwards from a respective container end, end walls extending ,upward from opposite end edges of said base and configured to have their side and top edges contiguous tothe sides and top of said container, said 7 end walls having openings for receiving opposite end of an articleon said base, a pair of laterally spacedtfacing Wings extending from opposite side edges of each endvwall outward toward the adjacent container end, said wings each beingishaped to haveits .lower, upper and outer edges contiguous to the bottom, top and adjacent'end of said containenand a reinforcement disposed in;the space hetween each pair of saidwiiigs extending along the upper edges-of, the adjacent end Wall andwings and fixed to the adjacent end wall fo r reinforcing engagement with the top ofsaid container, each of said reinforcements comprising amedial region secured in facing engagement with ,the adjacent end wall, and outer region's extending obliquely from said medial region and terminating attheir 1,974,061 Densen Sept. 18, 1934 2,295,478 Jason ,Sept. 8, 1942 2,531,507 Goodyear Nov, 28, 1950 2,675,158 Ringler Apr. 13, 1954 2,744,622 Sparks 'May 8, 1956